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In a world obsessed with certainty, group identity, and the illusion of "the one right way," what happens when we choose to live in the question instead of clinging to the answer?

In this episode, we challenge the seductive comfort of tribalism and explore how identifying too strongly with a single worldview can shrink our humanity. We dive into the dangerous allure of "my truth" vs. the truth, and why people who promise you the right way may be leading you the wrong way.

Through the lens of self-compassion, responsibility, and the courage to deconstruct our own egos, we unpack how awareness without shame creates the space for real change. You’ll hear about the power of environment, the beauty of curiosity, and the transformative question: What if I had six months to live, what would I do differently?

This is not an episode about how to live like someone else. It’s about discovering what’s real, meaningful, and creatively joyful for you.

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What if the voices in your head, your doubts, your drive, your deepest wounds, weren’t just background noise, but characters in a play that you could rewrite?

In this episode of The Self Help Antidote, we dive into the transformative world of Anonymous Drama, a creative approach to emotional wellbeing that blends improv, wellbeing, psychology, and storytelling. Playwright, director and drama therapy advocate Mark Macnicol shares how creating scripts and characters, even if you have zero interest in “drama”, can help untangle emotional knots that feel too overwhelming to confront directly.

We explore how this approach, born in places like maximum-security prisons and inspired by the therapeutic roots of improv, can help you step outside your own story just enough to see it clearly. Learn how the three core characters, the Protagonist, the Inner Critic, and the Inner Mentor mirror the ongoing dialogue in your own mind, and how naming these voices creates the space for intention, self-compassion, and conscious choice.

This isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about finally hearing yourself.

Because once you recognize who’s talking in your head, you get to decide who’s actually in charge.

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This episode dives into the real cost of living on autopilot, and how to reclaim your direction through honest self-awareness, emotional courage, and a bit of play. We cover everything from choosing your environment like your sanity depends on it (because it does), to why “discipline” is a form of self-care, not self-punishment. Most importantly we discuss why the only person who can change your life is you.  People may offer well-meaning advice, but in the absence of autonomy living another persons plan for your life, steals your confidence and accountability.  

You'll laugh, we think. You might flinch. And by the end, you just might stop waiting for permission to live the life you actually want.

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Ever feel like you're stuck in the gravitational pull of your own comfort zone, orbiting the same problems like a satellite doomed to reruns of its own past mistakes? You’re not alone. Avoiding the Comfort Trap isn’t about radical, reckless change as much as it’s about understanding why we cling to familiarity, even when it holds us back, and how to break free without setting off existential alarm bells.

In this episode, my friend and colleague Jo Groves, joined by a live audience, take a deep dive into why behavior change is so complicated and why simply knowing what to do isn’t enough. From suspending assumptions to the sneaky hidden commitments that conflict with our stated goals, we’ll explore how our internal arguments for and against change play out every single day.

We’ll break down the dynamic systems that shape our choices, and how our values, behaviors, environment, and social determinants of changes shape us.  Discover why crafting a compelling vision of the future (or revisiting the past to find what truly mattered) is essential to meaningful transformation.

But it’s not just about dreaming big, it’s about starting small. Change often happens through incremental wins, building self-efficacy, and isolating key variables instead of trying to overhaul your entire life overnight. We’ll explore tools like decisional balance sheet, motivational interviewing, and other models that support a deeper understanding of yourself, your clients, and how to facilitate change talk.

Speaking of talk, let's not forget the role of language, the words we use to describe ourselves are powerful predictors of behavior change. When we shift from "I should" to "I will," "I am," and "I have," we’re no longer just talking about change, we’re preparing to engage in it.

We’ll talk about why we need mavericks, in every industry, in every field; people willing to challenge norms, ask better questions, and create a culture where empathy fuels evolution instead of judgment reinforcing stagnation.

So, what’s the one thing you’re going to work on changing? Let’s get to it. Because avoiding the comfort trap isn’t about making life harder, it’s about making it matter.

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What if uncertainty isn’t a void to fear but a blank canvas daring you to create? In this episode, we dive headfirst into the unknown, exploring how to reframe uncertainty as an opportunity, take small, bold risks, and build unshakable resilience.

Through relatable stories, sharp insights, and actionable strategies, we’ll show you how to turn fear into curiosity, mistakes into masterpieces, and setbacks into setups for growth. Whether you’re stuck at a crossroads or overwhelmed by the chaos of "what ifs," this episode will inspire you to grab the brush and start painting your path forward.

Because in life—and art—the first stroke is always the hardest, but it can also be the most transformative. 

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The first session in a coaching relationship is the foundation for success. It’s where trust is built, values and vision are clarified, and actionable goals are set. In this episode, we explore why this initial meeting is more than a simple introduction, it’s a blueprint for meaningful change. Drawing on the VISION framework, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating a collaborative and empowering session that helps clients align their values with actionable goals.

We’ll discuss the importance of building rapport, using tools like motivational interviewing (OARS), and the power of aligning goals with intrinsic motivations. Packed with practical examples and research insights, this episode demonstrates how the right approach in a first session can spark motivation, build momentum, and set the stage for sustainable growth. Whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting out, tune in to learn how to transform the first session into a powerful catalyst for change.

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In this episode, we dive into the timeless wisdom of Russell Conwell’s iconic parable Acres of Diamonds. This story isn’t just about wealth—it’s about uncovering the opportunities, talents, and resources already within your reach.

We’ll explore the journey of Ali Hafed, a farmer who gave up everything to seek riches far away, only to miss the diamonds that lay buried beneath his feet. Through this lens, we unpack powerful lessons on contentment, perspective, and finding value in what you already have.

Join us as we discuss practical ways to recognize your "acres of diamonds" by auditing your skills, cultivating gratitude, seeking feedback, and investing in personal growth. Whether you’re chasing career goals, seeking fulfillment, or rethinking what success means, this episode will challenge you to look closer at the treasures in your own life.

Grab your shovel, your diamonds might be closer than you think.

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Why is it so hard to change, even when we know exactly what steps to take? In this episode, we unpack the science and psychology behind the gap between knowing and doing. From the myths of laziness and willpower to the hidden forces of habits, ambivalence, and decision fatigue, we explore why change feels so elusive, and how to finally make it stick. Learn practical, research-backed strategies to design your life for success, align your goals with your values, and embrace small, sustainable actions for lasting transformation. Whether you’re tackling personal habits or guiding others through change, this episode is your roadmap to meaningful growth.

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In this episode, we’re joined by two remarkable artists who are using creativity to transform lives and communities: Shaah, founder of the creative collective GRYSKLL, and Quentin Fountain, also known as Q. aka Media Pimp, an eMCee, producer, and engineer. Together, they share powerful stories of trauma, resilience, and the healing potential of art.

Shaah, a former member of Wu-Tang’s “Tha Beggas,” brings a multi-dimensional perspective to the conversation, with a background spanning music, film, photography, and writing. Through GRYSKLL, launched in 2021, Shaah has built a supportive community around creative expression and mental health. His latest project, gryMatter, is a documentary endeavor aimed at capturing his journey of healing through creativity, featuring mixtapes, books, and a unique soundtrack.

Q., who returned to music after two decades away, reflects on the life-changing events that led him back to his craft. Reconnecting with old friends and joining GRYSKLL rekindled his passion and eventually brought him into audio engineering, where he has become GRYSKLL's lead engineer and a vital contributor to the collective’s sound. His single Bleeding Out marked a profound return, and he now continues to shape the sonic landscape of GRYSKLL, with a new EP on the horizon.

Together, Shaah and Q. dive into the ways unresolved trauma, and the psychological impact of adverse childhood experiences, like growing up in poverty have shaped their lives, and how making music has been an anchor and light in dark times. They discuss the importance of social support, the courage to connect, and how creativity offers a way to express pain, recognize struggles in others, and build resilience. From growing up under challenging circumstances to finding belonging and purpose through community, Shaah and Q. explore how the worst experiences can give rise to profound growth.

Through GRYSKLL, they are not only telling their stories but fostering a community where people feel safe, seen, and heard. This episode is an exploration of how art and community can turn pain into purpose, and the courage it takes to keep showing up, helping others, and ultimately finding healing in the process. Join us for an inspiring conversation on the transformative power of creativity, connection, and courage.

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In this episode, Tiff and I are taking on the ever-persistent hustle culture, where busyness is celebrated as success, and exhaustion is often the reward. We’ll explore the real costs of endless grinding and how it can distract us from what genuinely matters. This isn't about scaling back ambitions but recalibrating them, diving into ways to improve our focus, identify our core values, and ensure our goals align with them. Drawing from Buddhist philosophy, we’ll discuss the art of being present and letting go of what doesn’t serve us. We’ll also look at how new experiences, travel, learning, or even small changes in routine, can give us fresh perspectives, helping us see the world and our place in it with renewed clarity. And, we talk about cats, because we like cats, and they are our teachers, showing us how to balance our lives with rest and play. If you’ve ever felt burned out on a path that wasn’t yours, this episode is the antidote.

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